Encouragement and coaching. These are the words that come to mind when Bruce Williamson, president of Domas Custom Builders in Etna, N.H., thinks about the NAHB 20 Clubs.

“Running a business can sometimes be a lonely job,” he said. “The idea that I could talk to other builders about anything and everything associated with my business without being concerned about marketing conflicts, was fabulous.”

Williamson said that’s what drove his interest in the 20 Clubs, 20 years ago. The 20 Clubs is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

For him and many others, the 20 Clubs provided and continues to provide a unique opportunity to network, share business ideas, communicate and learn from other leaders in the industry without the threat of damaging business prospects.

“The 20 Clubs are about making you better than you already are,” said Becky Hines, owner of Signature Custom Homes in Milton, Wash. “It’s been 20 years, but every single meeting I still come back with some nugget, some gem, some thing I want to change or add to, and that’s part of what makes the 20 Clubs valuable.”